The following is inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.) …

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.

We all seem to want and need change in our lives, though not necessarily to ourselves. We try to change our partners and bend others to our will in one manner or another. The idealistic among us want to change the world and some of those want to create a change because it may bring fame and recognition to them. It is easier, in my opinion to look outward in the world and want to fix something that we believe needs to be fixed. I think the bishop has it right. Change ourselves first and observe the ripple effect it has on those close to us and perhaps even further out into the world. By changing ourselves, we don’t get in the way of the paths chosen by others.

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